Europe and Africa agree on migrant plan of action

Europe and Africa have drawn up a plan of action to reduce the increasing flow of illegal migrants to Europe. The plan was agreed at the end of a two-day summit in the Moroccan capital Rabat which was attended by nearly 60 European and African nations.

The plan is based on recognition of the fact that fighting poverty is key to effectively reduce the stream of migrants to Europe. To this end, Europe has pledged financial means, but without specifying an amount. In Rabat, ministers reached agreement about joint patrols and a common approach to people smugglers and migrant repatriation.

Each year, tens of thousands of Africans try to reach Europe in rickety boats. The passage is often long and dangerous, for example from West Africa to the Canary Islands. Humanitarian organisations say at least 1,000 migrants have drowned since the end of last year.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 11 July 2006